If you listen to Miles of Books, a bonus segment at the end of the last Another Mother Runner podcast episode of every month, you know Coach Liz Waterstraat is an avid reader of non-fiction books. For this two-part blog post (Part 1 ran last Friday here), Coach Liz dug into some of her favorite books of 2023 for inspiration on reflective questions that she feels can help runners learn and grow.

Coach Liz

What is my calling today, and years from now?
The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying about What Other People Think of You by Michael Gervais

Everyone should have a why, an overarching purpose in life. Gervais says you won’t be able to achieve it in one day but knowing your purpose allows you to invest long-term in goals and actions. What’s one thing you feel you were put here to do in life? What can you do better than anyone else? Think through your why and how you can live more in tune with it.

What’s something that you would enjoy doing on repeat that would also make successes more inevitable?
Everyday Dharma by Suneel Gupta

Our days are often filled with countless “have to’s” while neglecting the “want to’s.” Yet our wants balance out an important part of our self that needs time to play and experience joy. Gupta recommends adding things you enjoy—maybe it’s running with a funny friend, committing to your favorite Pilates class, or hitting the trails—for longer-lasting happiness and success.

What are the best returns I can sustain for the longest period of time?
Same as Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes by Morgan Housel

At the start of a new year, it’s tempting to set big goals or aim for drastic changes. Yet most positive changes result from compounding: tiny actions that, over time, multiply into something extraordinary. When establishing new habits or goals, think simple, sustainable, and successful. Start small and let a daily commitment compound.

How bad do you want it?
How Bad Do You Want It: Mastering the Psychology of Mind Over Muscle by Matt Fitzgerald

Setting goals is easy. It’s enduring the obstacles, discomfort, and hardships that thwart our efforts. Fitzgerald reminds us that to reach our potential as athletes, we need to not only want it but also prove it by doing physically and psychologically hard things. Write out a few athletic/life/work goals for 2024, and ask what are some hard things you’ll endure to reach your goals?

What if instead of leaving the world behind, we immerse ourselves in it?
Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke

Life is hard. And during hard times, it’s natural to seek to escape into our procrastinations and distractions. Lembke explores the relationship between short-term distractions and long-term problems. Are there habits or activities you use to self-soothe during times of stress? What would it look like to turn and face what you hide from? Over time, this moves us in a healthy, positive direction.

Where do I find my silence?
Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise by Justin Zorn and Leigh Marz

Silence, rare in our overbooked, busy lives, can provide refreshing moments of recharge and serenity. Zorn and Marz suggest we make space for silent moments in our daily lives—even for just a few minutes. Are there spaces in your day that need a restorative activity or bring you silence naturally?

For more Coach Liz wisdom and insight, listen to the newest Miles of Books at the end of the December 29 episode of the Another Mother Runner podcast. And the January 5 ep, on which Coach Liz and Coach Jen Harrison will talk about how to set and pursue 2024 athletic goals.